CVE-2025-5220 in FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE • 05/27/2025
A vulnerability was found in FreeFloat FTP Server 1.0.0 and classified as critical. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the component GET Command Handler. The manipulation leads to buffer overflow. The attack may be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-5220 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the FreeFloat FTP Server version 1.0.0, specifically impacting the GET Command Handler component. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which encompasses buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory regions. The affected server component processes file retrieval operations through the GET command, making it a prime target for exploitation during normal file transfer operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the GET Command Handler, which fails to properly sanitize or limit the length of data received during file retrieval requests. When an attacker crafts a malicious GET command with excessive data payload, the server's memory management routines overflow, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The buffer overflow occurs at the application level where the server processes user-supplied data without sufficient boundary checks, creating a pathway for malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory segments.
Remote exploitation capabilities significantly amplify the severity of this vulnerability, as attackers can leverage the flaw from any network location without requiring physical access to the target system. The public disclosure of exploitation methods means that threat actors can readily develop and deploy automated attack tools against vulnerable installations. This remote attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of remote services through network-based attacks, and T1203, which covers the exploitation of remote services for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-5220 extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the affected FTP server. Organizations running FreeFloat FTP Server 1.0.0 are particularly vulnerable as this version likely lacks proper memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization. The vulnerability affects not only the server's stability but also its security posture, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the network environment.
Security mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching or version updates to address the buffer overflow condition in the GET Command Handler. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to FTP services and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling unnecessary FTP features, implementing strong access controls, and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected systems. The remediation process should follow industry standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, particularly focusing on the identification and remediation phases to address known vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.